Up The Middle: Politics for the Rest of Us!

Mastiff.Media
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Politics
  • Updated Weekly

Hey gang! Tired of the extreme left and far right dominating the conversation?  Welcome to Up The Middle: Politics for the Rest of US, the podcast dedicated to balanced news analysis and political commentary. We cut through the partisan noise to examine today’s biggest headlines from both sides of the political spectrum.Whether you identify as an independent, a moderate, or simply someone looking for rational, fact-based discussions, this show is your home for common sense. Every week, we break down complex current events, interview diverse voices, and search for common ground in a deeply divided world.  For more information, please visit www.Mastiff.Media/utm. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/up-the-middle-politics-for-the-rest-of-us--7030715/support.

  1. Jul 16

    Profits and Partisanship: Calling Out the Extremes

    Profits and Partisanship: Calling Out the Extremes Introduction: Host Yergz opens the show by defining the mission of Up the Middle, aiming to arm independent and swing voters with common-sense arguments against political extremism.Right-Wing Hypocrisy & Legal Troubles: Yergz highlights two recent scandals: the indictment of a MAGA-aligned pastor for explicit materials and New Hampshire Rep. Brian Morse’s revenge porn charges, emphasizing the contradiction with their public stances on family values and book bans.Vivek Ramaswamy’s Vaccine Payout: A breakdown of Ramaswamy’s biotech firm collecting a massive $950 million settlement from Moderna for COVID-19 vaccine technology, contrasting the profit with his public anti-vaccine rhetoric.Hunter Biden’s Defamation Victory: A brief overview of Hunter Biden securing a $1.7 million win in a defamation lawsuit against Patrick Byrne regarding false bribery allegations.A Warning From 2017: Yergz shares a personal anecdote from a 2017 inaugural ball where a political counterpart joked about a "third term," connecting this memory to current concerns over the firing of U.S. Election Commission members.Mastiff Media Announcements: An update on the network's expansion, teasing the launch of a brand-new Mastiff Media Morning Show starting August 3rd.Sign-Off & Outro: Yergz wraps up the broadcast with a reminder to stay positive, followed by a comedic audio montage. Episode 184 Date 260712.6 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/up-the-middle-politics-for-the-rest-of-us--7030715/support. Thank you for tuning in to Up The Middle. We started this show because we believe the best solutions are found when we actually hear both sides, and we want to hear from you. What did you think of today's topics? Send us an email at Newz@Yergz.com. If you know someone who is burnt out on the partisan shouting matches, share this episode with them. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss a breakdown. Thanks for getting off the porch and running with the big dogs! We'll see you next week on Up The Middle! For more information, please visit: www.Mastiff.Media To advertise with use, please write to: salez@yergz.com 2026 The Yerger Group

  2. Jul 16

    Gridlock & Gaps: McConnell's Absence, Graham's Passing, and the GOP Majority Crisis

    Gridlock & Gaps: McConnell's Absence, Graham's Passing, and the GOP Majority Crisis I. Show Introduction & MissionThe "Up the Middle" Philosophy: Host Yergz introduces the show as a platform that brings the opposition into the room to test arguments in real-time.Target Audience: Geared toward the 45%+ of swing voters and independents seeking common sense over partisan extremism.Logistics: Recorded live on Sunday evenings at 10:00 PM EST (available at mastiff.media/utm).II. The Central Medical Mystery: Mitch McConnellThe Timeline: Hospitalized in Washington D.C. since June 14th after a home emergency; not seen publicly since June 11th.The Narrative Gap:Official Stance: McConnell's office claims he is receiving excellent care, improving, and remains "fully engaged" with Senate business.The Reality on the Ground: Media-obtained dispatch audio reveals responders were called for an "unconscious person," with emergency personnel performing CPR for a patient in cardiac arrest. CNN footage showed him being wheeled out on a stretcher.Historical Context: This follows a string of health issues, including a severe 2023 concussion, freezing episodes, minor falls, and a recent hospitalization for flu-like symptoms.III. The Political Fallout & Reactions The lack of transparency has sparked intense reactions across the political spectrum. Gov. Andy Beshear (KY) Expressed public concern; called the persistent uncertainty "unfair to the state. "Far-Right Activists (e.g., Laura Loomer) Accused GOP leadership of a massive cover-up, claiming without evidence that McConnell is "brain dead. "Right-Wing Commentators (e.g., Glenn Beck) Demanded immediate truth and transparency regarding the Senator's actual condition. GOP Leadership (Sens. Thune & Barrasso) Attempted to quell rumors by stating they spoke with McConnell, claiming he was alert and tracking Senate business. Critics (e.g., Marjorie Taylor Greene) Dismissed leadership claims as "establishment spin" due to the lack of direct audio or video proof. IV. Breaking News: The Photo UpdateThe Source: Bradley Schlegel from Town and Country News (UPVnews.com).The Update: McConnell released a statement and a photo featuring his wife, former Labor Secretary Elaine Chao.Medical Clarification: Admitted after an unexplained fall, developed pneumonia in the hospital, and is currently in inpatient rehabilitation therapy.Host's Take: Yergz validates the audience's initial skepticism—noting the office's "secret squirrel stuff" didn't look good—but expresses genuine relief that the 84-year-old Senator is alive and recovering.V. The Legal & Geopolitical CrisisKentucky's Legal Firestorm: The state legislature stripped the governor's power to appoint a Senate replacement, a 2024 law that Gov. Beshear is likely to challenge in court.Senate Gridlock:The GOP's narrow 53-47 majority is in unprecedented jeopardy.With McConnell incapacitated and the sudden passing of Senator Lindsey Graham, the active Republican vote count drops from 53 to 51.This creates an immediate mathematical crisis for party-line votes and stalls critical spending bills in the evenly split Appropriations Committee.VI. OutroHost Yergz explains the podcast format (cut from a two-hour live show) and directs listeners to join the live broadcast on Sunday nights. Episode 183 Date  260712.5 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/up-the-middle-politics-for-the-rest-of-us--7030715/support. Thank you for tuning in to Up The Middle. We started this show because we believe the best solutions are found when we actually hear both sides, and we want to hear from you. What did you think of today's topics? Send us an email at Newz@Yergz.com. If you know someone who is burnt out on the partisan shouting matches, share this episode with them. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss a breakdown. Thanks for getting off the porch and running with the big dogs! We'll see you next week on Up The Middle! For more information, please visit: www.Mastiff.Media To advertise with use, please write to: salez@yergz.com 2026 The Yerger Group

  3. Jul 16

    Election Interference Reality Check: Florida Repubicans Face the Music

    Election Interference Reality Check: Florida Repubicans Face the Music Introduction to the Show Host Yergz introduces "Up the Middle" as a space for swing voters and independents to evaluate opposing political arguments.The show broadcasts live on Sunday evenings and focuses on cutting through partisan noise to find common-sense truths.The Core Scandal Three Florida Republican officials and a political consultant face charges related to an August 2024 primary election scheme.The group allegedly distributed tens of thousands of fake voter guides using unauthorized party branding to manipulate super voters.The accused orchestrated a secret envelope-stuffing operation to mask the origins of the deceptive mailers.The Accused and the Charges Sarah Arnold St. Johns County Commissioner (District 2) 1st Degree Misdemeanor (Fake voter guide) 2nd Degree Misdemeanor (Conspiracy) Christian Whitehurst St. Johns County Commissioner (District 1) 1st Degree Misdemeanor (Fake voter guide) 2nd Degree Misdemeanor (Conspiracy) Dylan Rumrell St. Augustine Beach City Commissioner / Former Mayor 1st Degree Misdemeanor (Fake voter guide) 2nd Degree Misdemeanor (Conspiracy) Brianna Jordan Political Campaign Consultant 3rd Degree Felony (Tampering with physical evidence) Legal and Prosecutorial Strategy The state attorney bypassed broader felony charges like grand theft in favor of tailored election integrity statutes.This strategic choice was strictly designed to prevent defense attorneys from getting the cases dismissed on statutory technicalities.The political consultant faces the most severe legal jeopardy due to allegedly ordering an intern to burn the remaining fraudulent guides in a backyard grill.Host Commentary Yergz draws on his 23 years in law enforcement to emphasize that investigations should prioritize truth over simply securing convictions.The episode contrasts widespread, evidence-free political projections about election fraud with the concrete reality of this specific local case.The host points out the irony of political figures committing the exact type of election interference their party often warns the public about.Outro and Logistics A brief disclaimer explains the audio transition from a live radio broadcast to a segmented podcast feed format.Listeners are directed to the Mastiff Media website to catch future live broadcasts. Episode 182 Date 260712.4 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/up-the-middle-politics-for-the-rest-of-us--7030715/support. Thank you for tuning in to Up The Middle. We started this show because we believe the best solutions are found when we actually hear both sides, and we want to hear from you. What did you think of today's topics? Send us an email at Newz@Yergz.com. If you know someone who is burnt out on the partisan shouting matches, share this episode with them. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss a breakdown. Thanks for getting off the porch and running with the big dogs! We'll see you next week on Up The Middle! For more information, please visit: www.Mastiff.Media To advertise with use, please write to: salez@yergz.com 2026 The Yerger Group

  4. Jul 16

    The Fall of Graham Platner:  Oyster Farmer to Outcast & The Death of Due Process

    The Fall of Graham Platner:  Oyster Farmer to Outcast & The Death of Due Process Show Introduction The Premise: Yergz introduces Up the Middle, a live radio show aimed at undecided, persuadable swing voters who make up roughly 45% of the electorate. The Goal: The show is designed to bring opposing viewpoints into the room so listeners can hear the other side's arguments in real-time.Main Story: The Rise and Fall of Graham PlatnerThe Candidate: Graham Platner, an oyster farmer and Marine veteran, ran a successful anti-establishment, progressive populist campaign for the US Senate in Maine, initially defeating the establishment candidate.The Scandals: Platner's campaign quickly imploded after the primary win due to a series of escalating controversies, including deleted offensive tweets, a chest tattoo with Nazi connotations, and sending sexually explicit texts to multiple women shortly after his wedding.The Allegations: Two ex-girlfriends came forward with severe allegations, including physical abuse and sexual assault without consent.The Fallout: Institutional support completely collapsed. Major political figures rescinded their endorsements, prompting Platner to officially suspend his campaign and submit withdrawal paperwork.The Next Steps: The Maine Democratic Party now has a strict two-week window to host a nominating convention and select a replacement candidate to run against Senator Susan Collins.Host Commentary: The Court of Public OpinionPresumption of Innocence: Yergz questions the swift expulsion of Platner from the race before any formal due process or legal conviction took place.Political Hypocrisy: The host contrasts Platner's situation with other political figures—including an unnamed LA mayoral candidate and various Republicans—who face allegations or arrests but are treated differently by their respective parties.Cancel Culture Critique: Yergz expresses discomfort with forcing someone out of their career or campaign solely based on unproven allegations, emphasizing that "innocent until proven guilty" is a foundational right.Announcements & Sponsor BreaksEntitySegment Details Be Inspired Podcast A promo for a podcast hosted by Jane Stahl, recommended to listeners looking for inspiration. Host's Personal Update Yergz announces a new full-time job working Thursday through Monday in the mobile department at a Best Buy in Wesley Chapel, Florida. Rad Rooster Coffee An ad for a veteran-owned coffee roasting company in Pennsylvania, offering free shipping on orders over $50 with a special hashtag. Colebrookdale Railroad A promo highlighting historic train excursions, dinner dates, and wine tastings in southeastern Pennsylvania. Jet Trends A shoutout to a local Florida business specializing in jet ski maintenance and repair. Episode ConclusionFormat Explanation: Yergz explains to podcast listeners that the audio is cut from a longer, two-hour live radio broadcast.Segment Teaser: The host previews the next segment, which will cover the quarterfinals of the World Cup.Outro Audio: The episode closes with a classic radio bumper about why audiences tune in to controversial hosts just to "see what he'll say next." Episode 181 Date 260712.3 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/up-the-middle-politics-for-the-rest-of-us--7030715/support. Thank you for tuning in to Up The Middle. We started this show because we believe the best solutions are found when we actually hear both sides, and we want to hear from you. What did you think of today's topics? Send us an email at Newz@Yergz.com. If you know someone who is burnt out on the partisan shouting matches, share this episode with them. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss a breakdown. Thanks for getting off the porch and running with the big dogs! We'll see you next week on Up The Middle! For more information, please visit: www.Mastiff.Media To advertise with use, please write to: salez@yergz.com 2026 The Yerger Group

  5. Jul 16

    A Career of Contradictions: The Sudden Passing and Complex Legacy of Lindsey Graham

    A Career of Contradictions: The Sudden Passing and Complex Legacy of Lindsey Graham Show Introduction: Host Yergz introduces "Up The Middle," detailing the show's mission to engage undecided voters by bringing opposing viewpoints directly into the conversation.Breaking News: Announcement of the sudden death of 71-year-old South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham following a brief illness and a recent diplomatic trip to Ukraine.Political Career Overview: A breakdown of Graham's decades-long tenure in the Senate, highlighting his hawkish foreign policy, influential committee roles, and conservative voting record on civil rights.The Trump Transformation: An examination of Graham's dramatic pivot from calling Donald Trump a "race-baiting, xenophobic, religious bigot" in 2015 to becoming one of his closest political allies.Polarized Public Reactions: The host reads a highly critical, explicit public statement from January 6th police officer Michael Fanone reacting to Graham's passing.Rumors and Hypocrisy: A candid discussion surrounding the persistent rumors about Graham's sexuality, contrasting his public denials with his consistent legislative record against LGBTQ+ rights.Podcast Outro: A standard sign-off explaining the abrupt ending due to radio formatting, along with details on how to listen to the full live broadcast. Episode 180 Date 260712.2 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/up-the-middle-politics-for-the-rest-of-us--7030715/support. Thank you for tuning in to Up The Middle. We started this show because we believe the best solutions are found when we actually hear both sides, and we want to hear from you. What did you think of today's topics? Send us an email at Newz@Yergz.com. If you know someone who is burnt out on the partisan shouting matches, share this episode with them. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss a breakdown. Thanks for getting off the porch and running with the big dogs! We'll see you next week on Up The Middle! For more information, please visit: www.Mastiff.Media To advertise with use, please write to: salez@yergz.com 2026 The Yerger Group

  6. Jul 16

    Up the Middle: Florida Corruption, World Cup Quarters, and Patriot Hypocrisy

    Up the Middle: Florida Corruption, World Cup Quarters, and Patriot Hypocrisy I. Host Updates and Best Buy DepartureThe live radio show "Up the Middle" is recorded on Sunday evenings at 10:00 PM Eastern Time by the host, Yergz.Yergz announces they are finishing their final shifts at Best Buy in the coming week.The host praises the company's training but strongly criticizes the ethical implications of upselling phone services to vulnerable customers.II. Political News and DevelopmentsThe host discusses the sudden death of Lindsey Graham at the age of 71.Yergz mentions rumors that Mitch McConnell might be dead or incapacitated due to his prolonged absence from the public eye.Graham Platner in Maine is reported to be out of his position due to alleged sexual misconduct.Two St. Johns County Commissioners and one St. Augustine Beach Commissioner face campaign corruption charges from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.III. World Cup QuarterfinalsFrance shut out Morocco with a score of 2-0 to advance in the tournament.Spain successfully edged out Belgium.The host notes that upcoming quarterfinal matchups include Argentina playing against England.IV. Viral Confrontations and Domestic ExtremismYergz analyzes a wintertime viral video from the Young Turks network featuring a driver yelling at people to "serve the Lord," noting the incident's implicit threats of violence and racist undertones.The host references the murder of Alex Pretty in Minneapolis.The episode covers a Colorado court case involving a domestic stalker who acted unprofessionally while representing herself.Yergz criticizes individuals in these videos and the January 6th rioters for falsely claiming the title of "patriots" while violating constitutional rights.V. Sponsorships and Network PlugsThe host promotes Momentum Fitness and Wellness, located on US 19 in Bayonet Point, Florida.Listeners are encouraged to visit Inn on the Gulf, a restaurant located on Clark Street in Hudson Beach, Florida.Yergz plugs the book Bear Fever: It's Catching, edited by Diane O'Sullivan.The broadcast concludes with an invitation to join the Mastiff Media network's expansion into talk radio. Episode 179 Date  260712.1 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/up-the-middle-politics-for-the-rest-of-us--7030715/support. Thank you for tuning in to Up The Middle. We started this show because we believe the best solutions are found when we actually hear both sides, and we want to hear from you. What did you think of today's topics? Send us an email at Newz@Yergz.com. If you know someone who is burnt out on the partisan shouting matches, share this episode with them. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss a breakdown. Thanks for getting off the porch and running with the big dogs! We'll see you next week on Up The Middle! For more information, please visit: www.Mastiff.Media To advertise with use, please write to: salez@yergz.com 2026 The Yerger Group

  7. Jul 16

    The Exhausted Majority: Finding Balance Outside the Echo Chamber

    The Exhausted Majority: Finding Balance Outside the Echo Chamber I. Introduction to the ProgramThe radio show is called "Up the Middle" and is hosted by Yergz.The program targets the 45% or more of voters who identify as swing voters and independents.The primary goal is to bring opposing viewpoints into the room so listeners can hear arguments tested in real-time.The live broadcast is recorded on Sunday evenings at 10 PM Eastern Time.II. The Current Political Media LandscapeYergz plans to record a future episode with Jane Stall, who currently avoids political news because of its chaotic nature.Fox News is heavily criticized by the host for acting as a platform for Donald Trump's lackeys.The host points out that conservative media figures have falsely labeled speeches at Mount Rushmore as socialist or communist.III. Advice for the Exhausted MajorityListeners are encouraged to avoid hostile Thanksgiving arguments and instead post positive, truthful, and cited content on social media.Yergz argues that it is vital to create a welcoming environment so tribal voters have a safe place to go if they choose to leave the MAGA movement.Because many Trump supporters resist admitting they are wrong due to personal pride, the host advises focusing on positive alternatives using concepts like Barack Obama's "Hope" slogan.IV. The Need for Balanced DiscoursePeople often tune into echo chambers created by Sean Hannity, Tucker Carlson, or Rachel Maddow simply to hear their own beliefs repeated back to them.True justice requires a balanced view of situations, which is why the statue of Madam Justice is depicted holding a scale while blindfolded.To ensure the audience is exposed to both sides of an argument, the host actively seeks to feature an opposing conservative viewpoint on the network.V. Network Announcements and PlugsThe Mastiff Media Morning Show will officially launch on Monday, August 3rd at 6 AM Eastern Time.The network plans to expand into AM and FM talk radio, referencing past broadcasts on WWPR 1490 in the South Tampa and Bradenton area.Yergz promotes several books during the broadcast, including Craig Cassie's "Lovecrafting" and Joseph Sul's "The Broken Mirror of Memory".Other promoted titles include Jeff Klein's "Beer with a Queer" and Phil Repko's "Homestretch".The host also highlights Bradley Schlegel's writing for Town and Country News.The episode concludes with a series of comedic audio snippets, including character impressions and classic sign-offs. Episode 178 Date  260705.5 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/up-the-middle-politics-for-the-rest-of-us--7030715/support. Thank you for tuning in to Up The Middle. We started this show because we believe the best solutions are found when we actually hear both sides, and we want to hear from you. What did you think of today's topics? Send us an email at Newz@Yergz.com. If you know someone who is burnt out on the partisan shouting matches, share this episode with them. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss a breakdown. Thanks for getting off the porch and running with the big dogs! We'll see you next week on Up The Middle! For more information, please visit: www.Mastiff.Media To advertise with use, please write to: salez@yergz.com 2026 The Yerger Group

  8. Jul 16

    Sunday School Snipers and Grand Jury Secrets

    Sunday School Snipers and Grand Jury Secrets Show IntroductionHost Yergz introduces the core mission of the show, which is to expose listeners to opposing viewpoints and build better arguments.Instructions are provided for accessing show notes and live broadcasts via the Mastiff Media Network.The Vacation Bible School ControversyYergz analyzes video and audio from a summer church program for children that features a mock execution.Yergz describes a disturbing scene involving an unarmed black man being surrounded by armed individuals dressed as soldiers.Strong critique is directed at the adults for encouraging young children to chant violent phrases like "take him out, blow him up."Yergz questions the bizarre inclusion of a man in a full swamp camouflage "ghillie suit" and the necessity of carrying real firearms in a church setting.Grand Juries and Legal AccountabilityThe segment transitions into a legal lesson explaining the differences between grand juries, petit (trial) juries, and criminal complaints.A specific federal case in Chicago is highlighted, focusing on alleged prosecutorial misconduct by former federal prosecutor Sheri Mecklenburg.The host explains that charges in three cases were dropped due to Mecklenburg allegedly communicating with grand jurors outside of official, recorded proceedings.Yergz predicts that despite a second grand jury being convened, the legal system will likely protect its own, and the prosecutor will avoid significant consequences.Conclusion and OutroThe host shares final cynical thoughts on accountability within the criminal justice system.A standard pre-recorded outro explains that the podcast is pulled from a live two-hour Sunday night radio broadcast. Episode 177 Date 260705.4 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/up-the-middle-politics-for-the-rest-of-us--7030715/support. Thank you for tuning in to Up The Middle. We started this show because we believe the best solutions are found when we actually hear both sides, and we want to hear from you. What did you think of today's topics? Send us an email at Newz@Yergz.com. If you know someone who is burnt out on the partisan shouting matches, share this episode with them. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss a breakdown. Thanks for getting off the porch and running with the big dogs! We'll see you next week on Up The Middle! For more information, please visit: www.Mastiff.Media To advertise with use, please write to: salez@yergz.com 2026 The Yerger Group

See All (184)

Trailer

About

Hey gang! Tired of the extreme left and far right dominating the conversation?  Welcome to Up The Middle: Politics for the Rest of US, the podcast dedicated to balanced news analysis and political commentary. We cut through the partisan noise to examine today’s biggest headlines from both sides of the political spectrum.Whether you identify as an independent, a moderate, or simply someone looking for rational, fact-based discussions, this show is your home for common sense. Every week, we break down complex current events, interview diverse voices, and search for common ground in a deeply divided world.  For more information, please visit www.Mastiff.Media/utm. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/up-the-middle-politics-for-the-rest-of-us--7030715/support.

Information